Every year with the return of Great Lent, I sit down to perform my due diligence as a priest and type out an article for you on fasting. Except … I have learned that almost nothing I say will change anyone’s food habits. Those who fast will fast. Those who dine richly will order the bacon double cheeseburger today and promise to skip a meal tomorrow.

And so, rather than making you feel guilty for enjoying your food, I have decided to offer you ways to make a difference in the world that still honors some of the spirit of fasting, so that you might not lose out on a reward.